It is really more than that. The media/press "sensationalize" everything in this day and age. It just isn't the national guys either, the local media does their fair share.
Two things that my ex-wife "taught" me that remain with me 'til this day. 1) Never use a public pen to write with(bank, store, etc.). 2) Never use a public drinking fountain. The ex was a "germaphobe", she also was a RN.
I was watching some show Sunday where they had some "medical analytical expert" and his take was that the coronavirus would not come close to the number people that die annually from the flu.